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If you’re visiting Crete in spring or early summer, Knossos Palace is a must-see — and right before the heat of high season, it’s the perfect time to explore this ancient Minoan wonder without the crowds or the scorching sun.
Just 6 km south of Legacy Gastro Suites in Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos sits atop the hill of Kephala, offering visitors a journey back more than 3,500 years — into the heart of the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest in Europe.
Crete, Home of the Minoan Civilization
Knossos was the largest and most advanced Minoan palace on the island, a sophisticated complex with plumbing systems, storage rooms, ceremonial spaces, and royal quarters. The site is deeply connected to Greek mythology, said to be the home of King Minos and the legendary Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
Discovery, Excavation, and Controversy
The palace’s discovery and later excavation started at the beginning of the 20th century. Before its discovery, Knossos was a place just to be found in Greek mythology. The British archaeologist Arthur Evans, reached Crete to negotiate the purchase of a portion of land in Knossos and then began excavations. It took him just a few days to find enough evidence to indicate the presence of a huge palatial complex.
Evans conducted restoration works, he also named the civilization Minoan after the legendary king of the island and also took controversial rebuilding liberties that have been discussed by different archaeologists ever since. Even though his works are largely based on personal ideas, it is also true that without his restoration it would have been impossible to have a clear idea of how the massive complex could have looked like in the past.
What to See at Knossos
Our suggestion? Put controversy aside and visit one of the most magnificent remnants of the Minoan civilization, the archaeological site of Knossos.
- West Court
The West Court area has always been considered as the marketplace zone of the Palace, usually devoted to public meetings.
- The Central Court
This central area has a modern paving which covers the oldest remains dating back to the Neolithic. Many believe that in this place took place the well-known bull-leaping ceremony, while for others space could not have been big enough for the acrobatic movements of such performance.
- Piano Nobile
Completely reconstructed by Evans, the Piano Nobile offers impressive sights of the whole complex and the storerooms.
Wikipedia
- Throne Room
This room hosts a worn seat made of stone while next to the walls there are lines of benches. Archaeologists believe that the room was the seat of a priest rather than a ruler. There is also a sunken bath, probably used for ritual purification.
- Royal Apartments
An imposing masterpiece of the complex is the Grand Staircase which leads visitors to the Royal apartments. These beautiful rooms are a clear example of the importance luxury and comfort had for the Minoans. The Queen’s Suite has its main room decorated with the famous frescoes of the dolphins as well as a clay tub protected by a wall with a flushing lavatory with a drain system. Above this suite, the King’s Room has a stunning reception as well as the ruler’s personal chamber, or the Hall of the Double Axes.
How to Get There
You can reach the sight by local bus if you are staying in Heraklion(€1.5 / $1.85 per person per route, buses N° 2 and 4), or with the red bus.
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Minoan site on Crete, so it is really popular. Avoid summer lines and visit during April and May. This way you will also avoid the extreme heat (remember that the Palace is an open space).
Best Time to Visit
Avoid the long lines and summer heat by visiting in April or May. The palace is open-air, so spring temperatures offer the most comfortable sightseeing conditions. Morning or late afternoon visits are ideal for good lighting and fewer crowds.
Pair Your Visit with the Archaeological Museum
It is a great idea to combine a visit to the palace with the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to make the most of the experience. A cumulative ticket will allow entry to both places, saving a few euros. Leave of time to see the site and the Museum if you are seriously interested in its history.
Stay in the Heart of Heraklion
Choosing Legacy Gastro Suites for your stay not only places you near Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, but also surrounds you with gastronomic delights, cultural sites, and easy access to the region’s top landmarks.
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